Helen and Isabella's story

Helen's daughter was born at 32 weeks gestation. Here she shares Isabella's journey from birth, through hospital care and then being able to come home.

My waters broke at 30 weeks and I spent the next nine days in hospital receiving amazing care from the team. I had injections to stop my contractions and to help with the development of the baby’s lungs in the event that I did go into labour. Thankfully, all the medical intervention worked.

On day ten I was sent home but caught an infection and went back into labour. During this time I was treated for sepsis (blood poisoning).

18 hours later my beautiful baby girl was born at 32 weeks gestation. Isabella weighed a good 4lb 3oz which was great considering she was seven weeks early. She was treated for possible sepsis and had light therapy for jaundice.

Nothing could quite prepare us for the neonatal unit or the raw emotion that comes with it. I wanted so badly to take my baby home. I watched other mums come and go and felt envious - then I felt guilty for feeling envious! I felt also felt guilt wondering, "was it something I did?"

The medical team were amazing. They were there as much for our daughter as they were for parents. From showing me how to wash, feed, express, what the machines did, what each tube was for...everything. We can’t thank the team enough. I like to refer to them as our 'earth angels'.

Isabella is now a happy, healthy and very strong eleven month old. I put together this poem for her, I hope you like it:

OvernightRooming in Our first night togetherLooking forward to you coming home forever.

Nearly a month has passed and you're home at last. So relaxTake your time to grow You've already taught me more than I could ever know.

If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this post and would like support, you can call our helpline on 0808 801 0322 or view our online support pages. If you would like to share your story with Bliss, please email media@bliss.org.uk.